4 minute read
Buildings that are accessible to all
CGT’s Chief Executive offers tips and advice on creating a truly welcoming space
How often have you seen a church sign proudly declare, “All are welcome,” only to find that the building itself tells a different story? Imagine arriving at a church only to face steep steps, a poorly lit entrance, or unclear signage. For many, these barriers make the difference between feeling truly invited and being turned away before they even step inside.
Other barriers can be just as off-putting— littered and overgrown pathways, neglected gardens, and buildings showing signs of disrepair, from broken windows to leaking gutters. Inside, damp, poorly ventilated rooms create an unwelcoming atmosphere. But the most significant barriers are often the ones that exclude people with disabilities: steps without ramps, inaccessible toilets, limited parking, no loop induction system for those with hearing impairments, and a lack of training for those greeting visitors.
Despite the requirement for “service providers,” (which includes you as a church), to make “reasonable adjustments” to their premises to eliminate physical barriers to access over 20 years ago, many churches have yet to act.
The bigger picture
Beyond the legal obligation to make your property accessible, as a church, you should strive to ensure that people with disabilities, along with their families, have the same opportunity to hear the Gospel and fully engage in church life as everyone else. Failing to provide necessary facilities may imply that people with disabilities are not valued by you or God, making them feel unwelcome.
The experience of many churches has shown that once a church provides such facilities (not just for wheelchair users, but for people with other impairments), people with disabilities and their entire families start to attend.
Church Growth Trust (CGT) found this with its property in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. When the building was provided with a level access and all the main facilities on the same floor, one lady in her wheelchair came along for the first time and has since brought along three generations of the same family.
There are many practical changes that you can make to your church building that will enhance the facilities, be more welcoming and be more comfortable for all people.
For example:
• Level access and lightweight doors: Beneficial for parents with pushchairs, elderly people, and wheelchair users.
• Loop induction systems: Enhances hearing aid users’ ability to hear the spoken word. But beware, as this may include your neighbours.
• Good lighting: Helps those with hearing impairments, lip readers, partially sighted individuals, and the elderly. Can you see the speaker’s face clearly?
• Colour contrast: (between ceiling and walls) assists visually impaired people in perceiving room size and can add attractive design features.
• Good acoustics: Improves speech clarity for those with speech difficulties and enhances the sound of music and singing.
• Carpeted floor: Smooth pile carpets benefit various groups of people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
• Clear signs and information: Helpful for all users of your facilities.
Good practice
Here are some examples of good practices worth considering for your church building:
• Car parking: Ensure accessible parking spaces are near the entrance and that there is suitable lighting in the car park and around the building.
• Physical access: Provide a platform and space at the top of ramps to allow doors to be opened. Include steps as well as a ramp, as ramps can be difficult for elderly people not in wheelchairs.
• Toilets: Ensure the accessible WC door opens outwards, is wide enough, and has an alarm fitted.
• Seating: Leave spaces for wheelchair users and provide some chairs with armrests for people with conditions such as arthritis.
• Projectors: Use a digital projector with 30pt type size, in combination with upper and lower case text to assist people with dyslexia.
• Trip hazards: Repair damaged floor surfaces to prevent tripping hazards for people with mobility difficulties or partial sight.
• Training: Conduct ongoing training to raise awareness of the Equality Act requirements and encourage the whole church to make the facilities as accessible and welcoming as possible.
By Giles Arnold Chief Executive
